Frequently Axed Questions

How long have you been playing guitar?
I have been playing guitar for about 10 years.

Are you in a band?
No. I used to play in a thrash metal band ages ago. I don't want to be in a band any more.

Will you teach guitar lessons?
Yes! But first, please read my disclaimer:
1. Many things I say are entirely subjective and are my own opinion.
2. I am not a professional musician, and I have no formal musical training.
3. Guitar playing is a very personal thing, but I can only teach what has worked for me. As a result, the advice I give may not work for you. It's ok to disagree and find out what works for you, but be sure to understand why I give that advice.
4. These lessons are for metal guitar playing. However, you can apply the things you learn to other genres if you want.
5. I always refer to strings, notes, and chords, as if the guitar was in standard tuning.

What will you teach?
-Introduction (DONE)
-Guitars: Setup and Maintenance (DONE)
-Guitars: Guitar Construction (DONE)
-Guitars: Amps and Effects (DONE)
-Music Theory: Notes and Intervals (DONE)
-Music Theory: Scales (DONE)
-Music Theory: Chords (DONE)
-Music Theory: Melody and Harmony (DONE)
-Essential Techniques: Clean Playing (DONE)
-Essential Techniques: Learning Songs
-Rhythm: Basics
-Rhythm: Picking Patterns
-Leads: Lead Patterns
-Leads: Bends, Vibrato, Tapping
-Advanced Techniques: Pinch Harmonics
-Advanced Techniques: Sweep Arpeggios

What will you not teach?
-I won't teach how to play specific songs, in particular Children Of Bodom songs.
-I won't make a video on a bunch of random scales and riffs.
-I won't show weird warm-up runs.

Did you take lessons?
No. I am entirely self-taught.

How much do you practice every day?
I don't really "practice", meaning, I don't sit around playing arpeggios and chromatic scales. Instead, I play/learn songs and make up my own stuff. It really depends on how busy I am. Sometimes, I'll play for four hours straight. Other times, I won't even touch a guitar for a week.

How long does it take to learn a song?
It usually takes me a month or more to learn a new song.

What kind of equipment do you use?
Guitar: A red Epiphone SG, of course. It's a G400.
Bridge pickup: A Seymour Duncan Screamin' Demon humbucker.
Amp: A 100 watt Marshall VS 100 combo.
Strings: D'Addario 11's.
Picks: Jim Dunlop 1.14mm Nylon Glow Standard. They are the best picks I have ever used.

Recording: Pod X3 Live.
Drum Machine: Acoustica Beatcraft.
Bass: A translucent Dean Edge.
DAW: GarageBand.

Why don't you use a 24 fret guitar with a whammy?
I used to have one, but I hated the way it felt and the amount of maintenance it required so much I will never go back. An SG is the most perfect guitar for me. I do have a Stratocaster for playing "I Am A Viking" though.

How do you make those crazy squeals/pinch harmonics?
Hit the string with the pick and thumb at the same time, and experiment with your positioning of your picking hand. I would say 90% of it is in your right thumb position and touch. Also, good tone and new strings helps a lot. Add a ton of wide vibrato to make it sound cool too.

What settings and effects do you use?
No effects other than my amp distortion. Bass, treble, and distortion are maxed, and midrange is at half.

Why so many Children Of Bodom songs?
Their songs fit my style very well. I like their melody mixed with heaviness. To me, they are one of the most complete metal bands because they are so melodic. Their riffs and solos are tons of fun to play, and their songwriting is great.

How do you learn the songs, and where do you get your tabs?
By ear, and by tabs, at www.ultimate-guitar.com.

Can you send me your tabs?
Sorry, but I really can't keep up with all the tab requests I get. Besides, tabs I use are available at the aforementioned site.

What are some easier Children Of Bodom songs?
I think the easiest ones are Bed Of Razors, and Downfall (except the solo), Bastards Of Bodom, and Knuckleduster.

What kind of camera do you use?
A Sony W90.

Do you take requests?
Sorry! I have plenty of songs I am already planning on doing. But, no Canon Rock, ever!

Are you Indian? Pakistani? Iraqi? Greek? Italian? Mexican? Jewish? Arabian? Kumar from Harold and Kumar?
I'm Persian, my family is from Iran.

What are your other interests besides guitar/music?
Software engineering, playing/watching football (San Diego Chargers, LT is the greatest), snowboarding, working out/general fitness, horror movies (especially zombies), cooking (especially barbequing), 24, and dealing with my severe YouTube addiction.

What is your email address/MSN?
RedSGShredder@hotmail.com